the graduation party.

Although sunny, and a bit humid the weather for Sierra's graduation party cooperated with us, and it was perfect! We couldn't have been more relieved as to how this celebration turned out! It had been raining all week, and when Friday finally came I was praying that the 30% chance of rain we were expecting would pass us by, and it did! 

This was her day, and it was all about her. I was so pleased as to how many friends showed up to her party. The love of friendship that I saw on this day towards Sierra was overwhelming...even for her. 

Some of these kids she's only known for less than two years!

and some for five years...

They were all here to support, love, and send out one last hurrah with good luck wishes before she departs for college. She was such a good hostess, mingled, and laughed until the sun literally went down. 

We love our heritage, and the fact that we are Hispanic gave us the opportunity to do a Mexican theme. 

Jon cooked up beef & chicken fajitas with all the fixings, Spanish rice, homemade bean dip, and we even had Mexican Coca-Cola for  everyone! 

I believe the life of the party (besides Sierra) was the fact that we even had a piñata! The kids had a ball trying to smash it! 

Sierra let her little sister go first.

Good thing she went first, because out of 30 people it only took five to bring that star to the ground!

Look at my cute husband on the deck holding the piñata because there were no trees to hold it...SO MEXICAN!!!

Sierra's turn...

Trent used his ninja moves to break the pinata, and he succeeded! You can watch him here.

One of my dear friends bought her cake, and it was so beautiful, and most of all delicious. 

They all gathered around the dessert table for a quick pic. We tried to get everyone in, and I hope we weren't missing anyone.

Her dear friend Emily gave her a gift that she will remember forever. 

A collage of five years of photos! It was great!

It's hard to believe that in less than two months our firstborn will be in college! Time flies, and we are so proud of our daughter. She has been blessed with such great friends! I give thanks each day that she is surrounded with greatness, and love from wonderful people! 

As friends were starting to leave everyone was telling Sierra to play one more time for them on the piano, and she obliged. Here she is singing "Warrior"  by Demi Lovato.

*****

Everything on this day was a success, and we couldn't have been more pleased. It looks like everyone had a good time, and I want to especially thank everyone who came to support her on this day, and to Suzie who lent me her house because she has a big backyard! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for loving her, and being our daughter's friend for all these years. She'll never forget you so please, even though y'all are going to different universities please stay in touch with her.

Bye for now, and good luck to those of you who are heading off to college! 

the graduating class of 2013.

This day was so surreal for me. From getting special seating on the football field to seeing Sierra walk down the track with the rest of the class waiting to be seated, to listening to all the speeches given by the principal, valedictorian, salutatorian, class president, to receiving her diploma in graduating with honors.

Although I was very excited for her graduation day to arrive this is one day that I didn't want to pass, but it did. It came too quick, and flew by way too fast for me. I can't believe these past four years just flew. Flew, flew, flew! I am so excited for her to begin a new chapter in her life. She has done really well in this school for the past four years, and everything she has learned will be taken with her as she begins college in the fall. We are extremely proud of her, and all that she has accomplished thus far in her life. She is a young woman of many talents and has so much knowledge to share with the world.

I explained to her that friends come and go, and sometimes part after graduation. Life will keep many of these kids busy, and hopefully some of them will stay in contact. She has made many friends, and mentioned that they are all keepers for life! She's fortunate that some of them are attending college nearby, and hopefully that'll make it easier to stay in touch.

with Trent, the prom king...again!

From left to right:  Matt, Erny, Eddie, Michael ( 2013 valedictorian), Tj, and Jordan.

She makes these young men look good in pictures!

two of her dearest friends: with Amber (top), and Britney (bottom)

She will never forget her friends of the future class of 2014. She will miss playing in the jazz band with these guys. Who knows, maybe they can all start up a band someday. They need to graduate first! 

It was also nice seeing an old friend, & former alumni.

She had some of the best teachers this year, and she will never forget the ones who really challenged her to be the best.

We were so happy that her grandma & grandpa (my awesome in-laws) flew all the way from Utah to witness her graduation and spend quality time with her. They are so pleased with her accomplishments, and have faith in her that she will become someone very successful. 

Speaking of successful Ms. Petite gave a wonderful speech to the entire student body, and the advice she gave them was remarkable. One of my favorite excerpts she said to these graduates was, and I quote... 

"Remember when you thought that your parents didn't know a lot, watch how incredibly smart they become over the next decade. Parents are pretty skilled at picking up on real life lessons. Continue to talk & listen to your parents. They have learned from their mistakes and will save you much stress and anxiety. They will also not charge you for their expertise, and most of the time you may even get a free meal. Set your goals high and strive to develop your skills and potential, but be careful in how you measure your success. Your success will be judged by those with whom you compete. Rather than being the best in the world try to be the best for the world."~Ms. Petite

Sierra, 

I thought those were wise words, and great advice when it comes to being challenged in this life. I pray that you will take those words to heart, and apply it in your daily life. Remember this day forever, because the only thing you'll have left are the memories. Four years of memories at Highland that taught you to be the best. 

Now...go out and conquer the world. You are here for a reason, and your unique talents will take you very far. Just remember that it is up to you to make it happen. Stick strong to your morals, and be solid in your testimony, and love for God, and His gospel. We will be rooting for you from across the bridge. 

This is the beginning of the end of your first chapter in the life of high school, and now...

Let the college days begin.

Oh wait...you still have the rest of the summer to enjoy yourself. 

Time to go to the shore! 

Love,

mom